Cartridge for a coil of flexible strip material

ABSTRACT

A cartridge for a strip of flexible material, preferably film, adapted for use with a projector having automatic feed-out means, basically comprising a reel receptacle and a cover. The receptacle has a substantially planar back portion. The cover fits over the receptacle to substantially enclose a reel, and has a substantially planar front portion. A feed-out aperture is provided in the cartridge to permit the entry of feed-out means into the cartridge and the egress of flexible strip material out of the cartridge. An arcuate guide extends within the cartridge from one end of the feed-out aperture annularly within the reel receptacle to the opposite end of the feed-out aperture and is positioned to penetrate the space between the flanges of the reel. Locking tabs and apertures are provided to interlock several cartridges together in a stacked relationship and for attaching the cartridge to the projector. Additional mounting and positioning elements are also provided.

United States Patent Bradt et al. I I 5 I CARTRIDGE FOR A COIL OF FLEXIBLE STRIP MATERIAL {75] Inventors: Gordon E. Bradt, Wilmette; Richard Frystak, Park Ridge; Nicholas Mischenko; Edward R. Prelletz, both of Chicago, all of Ill.

[73] Assignee: Bell & Howell Company, Chicago,

Ill.

[ *1 Notice: The portion of .the term of this patent subsequent to Dec. 21, 1988, has been disclaimed.

[22] Filed: Dec. 15, 1971 211 App]. No.: 208,331

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 826,045, April 21, I969.

52 Us. Cl... 242/197, 352/72- [51] Int. CL... G031) 1/04, Gl lb l5/32, 61 lb 23/04 [58] Field Of Search......,.. ..242/197, 192, I95; 206/52 F, 53, 59 F; 220/97 R-97 F, 60 R; 352/72-78 [56] I References Cited 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,047,157 7/1962 Bergman 220/97 X 3,55 L038 l2/l970 Bundschuh et al. 352/72 3,556,435 l/I 97l Wangerin 242/210 *Jan.7, 1975 3,628,753 l2/l97l Bradtetal. 242/197 3,687,036 8/1972 Herberger ..95/3lR Primary ExaminerLe0nard D. Christian Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Hume, Clement, Brinks, Willian, Olds & Cook, Ltd.

57 ABSTRACT A cartridge for a strip of flexible material, preferably film, adapted for use with a projector having automatic feed-out means, basically comprising a reel receptacle and a cover. The receptacle has a substantially planar back portion. The cover fits over the receptacle to substantially enclose a reel, and has a substantially planar front portion. A feed-out aperture is provided in the cartridge to permit the entryof feedout means into the cartridge and the egress of flexible strip material out of the cartridge. An arcuate guide extends within the cartridge from one end of the feedout aperture annularly within the reel receptacle to the opposite end of the feed-out aperture and is positioned to penetrate the space between the flanges of the reel. Locking tabs and apertures are provided to interlock several cartridges together in a stacked relationship and for attaching the cartridge to the projector. Additional mounting and positioning elements are also provided.

14 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures 1 CARTRIDGE FOR A COIL OF FLEXIBLE STRIP MATERIAL This application is a division of co-pending Application Ser. No. 826,045, filed Apr. 21, 1969 now US. Pat. No. 3,628,753.

The present invention relates to an improved cartridge for a strip of flexible material on a reel, and more specifically to an improved cartridge adapted for use in conjunction with an automatic feed-out apparatus.

Generally, the present invention relates to an improved cartridge for a strip of flexible material (sometimes referred to as a web) on a reel, and comprises basically a reel receptacle and a cover. The reel receptacle has a flat back portion and a circular reel spacer ridge on the back portion, which keeps a reel inserted into the receptacle from being in direct contact with the entire back portion. An arcuate guide member is mounted on and spaced from the back portion and positioned to penetrate the space between the flanges of a reel along a portion of the reel when it is positioned in the receptacle. The cover is adapted to fit over the reel receptacle, and to substantially enclose'a reel in the receptacle. The cover has an internal reel spacer ridge and a central, internal reel-bearing projection which is located to penetrate the central opening in the hub of a reel positioned in the receptacle. The reel receptacle and the cover are constructed and arranged in a manner to form a threading aperture on the bottom end of the assembled cartridge to permit a strip of flexible material to be drawn from the reel out of the cartridge.

The invention also provides a method for estimating the amount of material on a reel by projecting a light beam in a manner so that it is at least partially interrupted or masked according to the amount of material on the reel. The beam is collected on a collection surface, and the surface is read to provide an estimate of the amount of material remaining on the reel. The cartridge of the present invention may also be modified to include a scale positioned for illumination by a beam of light from an external source passing upwardly through the cartridge and between the flanges of a reel in the cartridge. The external light source is positioned so that the passage of the light beam is at least partially masked by material on the reel before the light strikes the scale.

The invention, its construction and method of operation, together with the preferred embodiments thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings, in which:

F IG.. 1 is a front view of a reel receptacle constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the receptacle of FIG. 1 with a reel inserted therein;

FIG. 3 is a right-hand side view ofthe reelreceptacle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken of FIG. I;

FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the inside of a cover adapted for use with the receptacle of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG 1; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembled film cartridge constructed in accordance with the present invention;

along line 4-4 2 FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the film cartridge of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a back view of the film cartridge of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side view ofa pair of film cartridges similar to those shown in FIGS. 7-9 in interlocked relationship;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of a projector incorporating an automatic feed-out module adapted for use with the film cartridge of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a cartridge constructed in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the use of the scale;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a reel receptacle illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the reel receptacle shown in FIG. 13, illustrating the manner in which a reel is inserted;

FIG. 15 is a rear view showing the inside of a cover adapted for use with the receptacle shown in FIGS. 13 and 14;

FIG. 16 is a front view of a dual-reel cartridge constructed in accordance with the present invention, shown with one of the coversremoved;

FIG. l7 is a front view of a rotatable cartridge for a plurality of reels; and

FIG. 18 is a back view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 17.

As previously mentioned, the cartridge of the present invention may be employed for a strip of flexible material on a reel. Thus, the cartridge of the present invention is adapted for use on both tape recorders and film projectors having automatic feed-out means. However, the preferred embodiments illustrated are primarily intended for use with a film projector having an automatic feed-out module, and therefore will be discussed hereinin that context, it being understood that the invention is not limited to use with films.

The film cartridge of the present invention basically comprises a reel receptacle and a cover, shown in assembled relationship in FIG. 7. In the following detailed description of the invention, the cartridge will be discussed in the orientation shown in FIG. 7, which is the preferred orientation for delivery to an automatic feed-out module. However, it should be understood that references to the orientation of the cartridge, such as references to the top or bottom thereof, are used for convenience only, and do not mean that the operation or storage of the cartridge must be limited to that particular orientation.

A reel receptacle constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, wherein it is generally designated by reference numeral 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the receptacle 10 is adapted to receive a conventional reel 12 having a central aperture 13 in the hub thereof. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, and more especially to FIG. 1, the reel receptacle 10 has a flat back portion 14 upon which a circular reel spacer ridge 16 is formed. As shown in FIG. 4, the reel spacer ridge 16 projects outwardly from the back portion 14 of the receptacle l0 only'a small distance, and functions to maintain a reel in spaced relationship with the back portion 14.

As shown'in FIGS. 1-4, the reel receptacle 10 has an outer wall 18 which is perpendicular to the flat back portion 14 and runs around a major portion of the perimeter of the reel receptacle l0. Portions of the outer wall 18 are slightly set in "flat-back portion 14 of the cartridge 10. The film guide member 20 is positioned to penetrate the space be tween the flanges of a reel 12, and has a flexible end portion 22 which is free to move outwardly to a second position 22' to facilitate the insertion of a reel 12 into the receptacle 10. The film guide member 20, of

,course,'does not completely surround the reel 12, since it must be open at the bottom to permit film to be withdrawn from the cartridge Therefore, the film guide number 20 surrounds only anupper portion of the film in the reel 12. The arcuate film guide member 20 is preferably generally concentric with the reel spacer ridge 16, and is connected to the outer wall 18 bya plurality of connecting members 24. Of course, any mounting means may be employed, so long as they maintain the film guide member 20 in spaced relationship with ber 20 to penetrate the space between the flanges of a reel 12. As also shown in FIG 1, the reel receptacle 10 has a film feedout guide 26, which insures that film will be fed out of the cartridge of the present invention in the proper direction for engagement with an automatic threading projector.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, the side of the reel receptacle IOpreferably has a rewind opening 28 in the outer wall 18, which permits a drive puckto contact the rim of a reel 12, as hereinafter described.

Referring to'FIGS. and 6, a cover for use with the receptacle is generally designated by reference numeral 40. The cover 40 has a flat inside face portion 42 and an outer wall 44 which is generally perpendicular to the face portion 42. The outer wall 44 is positioned to fit over the outer wall 18 on the reel receptacle 10, to form a unitary cartridge as shown in FIG. 7. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover 40 has a central, internal, generally cylindrical reel-bearing projection 46 which projects a distance about equal to the internal thickness of the fully assembled cartridge. In any event, it is necessary that thereel-bearing projection be located to penetrate the central opening in the hubof a reel 12 positioned with the reel receptacle l0. Itis also important that the reel-bearing projection 46 be of a length sufficient to penetrate the central aperture 13 of the reel 12 a distance sufficient to form a bearing surface for rotation of the reel 12. The reel-bearing projection 46 is surrounded by a circular reel spacer ridge. 48 which is preferably concentric with the reel-bearing projection 46. It is the function of the reel spacer ridge 48 to prevent the reel from contacting the flat face portion 42 of the cover 40, so that excessive friction is prevented while proper alignment is maintained. As with the reel receptacle 10, the cover 40 incorporates a film feed-out guide 50 which will be oppositely disposed .from the film feed-out guide 26 in the receptacle 10 when the cartridge is assembled. These film feed-out guides 26, 50 both insure that the film is properly fed into the mechanismof an automatic threading projec- As shown most clearly in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the cartridge receptacle 10 of the present invention has one or more reel positioner abutments 49, which contact the reel rim and aid in properly'p'ositioning the reel 12 when the, cover 40 is placed on the receptacle 10. These positioner abutments 49 prevent excessive displacementof the reel 12, but do not contact the reel rim after the cover 40 has been put in place; After the cover 40 is in place, the reel is positioned by the reelbearing projection 46.

As shown in FIGS, in the preferred embodiment, the cover 40 has a plurality of stop pins 52 which contact the outer wall 18 of the receptacle 10 to insure proper positioning of the cover 40 on the receptacle l0.

The fully assembled cartridge, comprising the receptacle l0 and cover 40 is shown in FIG. 7. When ready for use, the complete cartridge will also contain a reel 12 of film or the like. As shown in FIG. 8, when the reel receptacle and cover are assembled to form a cartridge, they are constructed and arranged in a manner to form a threading aperture 54 on the bottom of the cartridge, to permit a strip of filmto be drawn froma reel 12 located within the cartridge. As shown in FIG. 8, the reel receptacle 10 is constructed to form a pair of mounting apertures 55 in the underside of the completed carthe back portion l4, while permitting the guide memtridge, these mounting apertures being positioned to engage .positioning pins when the cartridge is mounted on a projector. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the receptacle l0 and cover 40 also form a rewind opening 56 on the side of the cartridge.

Referring to FIG. 9, the preferred embodiment of the present invention has a pair of horizontal, parallel ribs 60 which project rearwardly from the exterior of the reel receptacle 10. These'ribs 60 perform the dual function of aiding in the proper vertical alignment of the cartridge in a projectofland also of aiding in properly aligning the cartridges when two or more cartridges are stacked, as hereinafter described. A pair of mounting tabs 62, which are also shown in FIGS. 3 and through the indentations 92 (FIG. '11). The resiliency of the tabs 62 provides a friction or snap fit between the cartridge and the projector or between two or more cartridges as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Referring again to FIG. 7', in the most preferred embodiment, the exterior of the cover 40 has an elongated, horizontal indentation or groove 64 and a pair of apertures 66, which are positioned to receive the ribs 60 and mounting tabs 62, respectively, to permit a plurality of cartridges to be stacked, as shown in FIG. 10. It will be readily appreciated that the stacked cartridges shown in FIG. .10 are suitably arranged such that any one ofthe cartridges may be placed in its operative position on a projector, so as to enable projection of the a present application and assigned to the assignee'of the present application. Although the automatic feed-out module 82 does not form part of the present invention, a brief description will aid in the understanding of the manner in which the cartridge of the present invention locating pins 86, and the cartridge is also positioned by a pair of vertical abutments 88 on the edge of the seat 84. Finally, the cartridge is vertically positioned by a horizontal groove on the feed out module 82, which receives the parallel ribs 60 on the back of the reel receptacle 10. Indentations 92 on the sides of the feed-out module 82 are positioned to receive the mounting tabs 62. Thus, the seat 84, the locating pins 86, the vertical abutments 88, the horizontal groove 90, and the indentations 92, which engaged the mounting tabs 62 all serve to properly position the cartridge on the automatic feed-out module. Of course, as'is obvious'from the drawing, proper positioning could also be obtained by the use of only one rib on the back of the cartridge, with a corresponding abutment on the automatic feedout module 82. This is clear, since the only function of the ribs is to prevent the cartridge from being displaced in an upward direction when mounted on the projector, downward displacement being impossible because of the horizontal seat 84.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the preferred em,- bodiment a projector adapted for use in connection with the cartridge of the present'invention is equipped with a drive puck 94, which is positioned in an arcuate channel 96 for movement to contact the rim of a reel 12 positioned in the cartridge of the present invention. The drive puck is shown in the rewind position in FIG. 11, as it would be employed for rewinding film or for reverse projection, and in the disengaged position for forward projection in FIG. 12. The drive puck 94 has a central wheel which is covered with a friction surface such as rubber.

The operation of the cartridge of the present invention, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-12, is a very simple matter. The cartridge is first opened by removing the cover 40, and a reel 12 containing film is properly positioned in the cartridge as shown in FIG. 2. Proper positioning is facilitated by movement of the flexible end portion 22 of the arcuate film guide member 20 to the moved position 22 shown in FIG. 1. The reel 12 is then easily slipped into position, so that the film guide member 20 penetrates a short distance between the flanges of the reel 12. When properly positioned, the reel 12 will rest on the reel spacer ridge 16 of the reel receptacle 10.

After the reel 12 is properly positioned in the receptacle 10, the cover 40 is placed on the receptacle as previously described. If the reel 12 is properly positioned in the receptacle 10, the reel-bearing projection 46 will easily penetrate the central opening 13 in the hub of the reel 12. Once the cartridge is assembled with the film inside, projection is a very simple matter. As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge is simply positioned on a projector having an automatic feed-out module designed for use with this cartridge. The film will be fed from the cartridge into the projector by automatic stripper means (not shown), and may also be rewound" back into the cartridge by use of the drive puck 94.

A second embodiment of the present invention, which employs a rigid film guide, rather than one having a flexible end portion, is shown in FIGS. 1345. The reel receptacle of the second embodiment is generally designated by reference numeral 110. As with the first embodiment, the receptacle has a flat back portion 114 and a central, circular reel spacer ridge 116. An outer wall 118 is generally perpendicular to the back portion 114, and is set in slightly to form a flange 119 around the edges for proper positioning of the cover. In this embodiment, the arcuate film guide member 120 is rigidly mounted throughout its entire arc in spaced relationship to the back portion 114, and positioned to penetrate the space between the flanges of a reel along an upper portion of the reel. Again, the film guide member 120 cannot penetrate between the flanges along the entire periphery of the reel 12 since this would prevent film from being withdrawn from the reel 12. Mounted adjacent to and perpendicular to the back portion 14 is a circular reel positioner abutment 122, which aids in properly positioning the reel within the receptacle 110. The function of this positioner abutment 122 is simply to maintain the reel in proper position when the cover is placed on the receptacle 110, and it should be understood that the rotation of the reel is preferably not guided by the positioner abutment 122.

As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-12, the receptacle 110 has a rewind opening 124 in the side of the outer wall 118. In addition, the film guide member 120 does not form a complete circle, but leaves a gap 128 at the bottom of the reel receptacle 110, to permit film to be withdrawn from the assembled cartridge.

The manner in which a reel is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 110 is illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein the reel is designated by reference numeral 130. To insert the reel 130 into the receptacle 110, the reel 130 is simply tilted, and one flange is inserted underneath the film guide member. 120. By inserting the flange under the end of the film guide member 120 adjacent to the gap 128, insertion of the reel 130 is a simple matter.

The inside of the cover, generally designated by reference numeral 132', is shown in FIG. 15. The design of the cover 132 is basically identical to the design of the cover 40 of the first embodiment previously described. The cover 132 has a flat face portion 134 and an outer wall 136 which is generally perpendicular to the flat face portion 134, and positioned to fit over the outer wall 118 of the reel receptacle 110. The cover 132 also has a rewind opening 138 and a gap 140 in the outer wall 136, to permit withdrawal of film from the fully assembled cartridge. The cover 132 has a reelbearing projection 142 which projects from the flat face portion 134 a distance sufficient to engage the central aperture of a reel 130 positioned in the reel receptacle 110, and to form a bearing surface therefore. Surrounding the reel-bearing projection 142 is a concentric reel spacer ridge 144 which prevents the reel 130 from contacting the flat face portion 134, which would cause improper positioning as well as excessive friction.

In assembled relationship, the embodiment of FIGS. 13-15 appears similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-12. However, the embodiment shown in FIGS. l3-l5 is intended for use with a larger size reel, so that the rewind aperture must be positioned relatively lower in order to be properly penetrated by the drive puck 94.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18, the cartridge of the present invention can be constructed in a manner to receive a plurality of reels. FIG. 16 illustrates a cartridge having a dual reel receptacle, indicated generally by reference numeral 150, and having a threading aperture (not shown) on each end. The reel receptacle 150 has a pair of covers 40. These covers 40 are identical to the cover 40 shown in FIGS. 8 with.relation'to the first embodiment. Of course, a single, unitary cover (not shown) could also be employed. In FIG. 16, one of the covers 40 has been removed to show a reel 12 in place, along with the interior detail of the reel receptacle 150. This interior detailis identical to that shown for the reel receptacle 10 of FIGS. 14, and like parts are designated by like reference numerals. Of course, the receptacle 150 could also be constructed with film guide members that are rigid throughout their entire arcs, and the interior detail would then be essentially identical to thatshown in FIG. 13.

To use the embodiment of FIG.,16, the cartridge is simply inserted into. the automatic feed-out module 82 in the manner shown in FIG. 11 After a reel of film from one cartridge has been shown, the film is rewound back onto the reel 12 with the drive puck 94 in the manner previously described. After the film has been '8 120 is equal to the number of reels that the cartridge is designed tocontain.

v In addition to the basic film cartridges previously described, the' present invention also provides a method for estimating the number of feet in a strip of flexible material, such as film, on a reel, together with a scale for measuring the amount of film remaining on a reel,

which scale may be incorporated into the cartridge of ment, the top end of the cartridge has a scale 190 on rewound, the cartridge is removed and rotated 180, so

that the reel which was formerly on top is in the projection position.- a

I FIGS. '17 and 18 show yet another embodiment, wherein four reels are employed. In this embodiment, the film cartridge is rotatable, and has a multiple reel receptacle," indicated byreference numeral 160. The reel receptacle 160 has a central spindle aperture 162 and a relatively flat back portion 164. The interior of the cartridge includes reel spacer ridges which are positioned at an equal distance from the spindle aperture 162, and at an equal distance from one another, along with arcuate film guide members, each being generally the cover 40, this scale being positioned for illumination by a beam of light from an'external light source, the-beam passing upwardlythrough the cartridge 'and between the flanges of the reel. In the most preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the scale 190 is inconcentric; with its associated reel spacer ridge, as in the embodiments previously described. That is, the film guide members may each have a flexible end portion, as shown in FIGS. ,1 and 2., or the film guide members may each be'rigid throughout its entire arc, as shown in FIG. l3..The covers, designated by reference numeral 166, are also of a similar design to those shown in the embodiments previously described. However, the receptacle 160 and covers 166 must be shaped to permit the cartridge to be rotated about the spindle opening 162 when mounted on a spindle, while permitting the delivery of film to an automatic feed-out module from any of the reels located in the receptacle. While a circular shape would be satisfactory, the shape shown in FIG. 17, wherein the corners are rounded, is equally suitable. In use, the film is withdrawn from the cartridges with the corners, indicated by the arrows, facing downwardly. The covers 166 and receptacle 160 have rewind openings 168, to permit each reel to be rewound while it is in projection position before the cartridge is, rotated for projection of the next successive reel.

FIG. 18 shows a back view of the reel receptacle 160 shown in FIG. 17. The receptacle 160 preferably has a plurality of alignment recesses 170 which are positioned in equal distance from the spindle aperture 162, and areequally spaced around the back of thereel receptacle 160, The function of the alignment recesses is to engage suitable alignment means on a projector, such as aspring-loaded ball (not shown) to maintain the cartridge in its proper rotational position for projection of each reel. The number of alignment recesses clined downwardly toward the front of the cartridge.

The scale 190 may be graduated in any manner desired, and will preferably be graduated to provide an estimate of the length of film remaining on the reel .12.

Referring ot FIG. 11, in order for the scale 190 to function, it is necessary that the automatic feed-out module 82 incorporate a light source 192 which is positioned so that the passage of the light beam is at least partially masked by a strip of film on the reel 12. This is shown in FIG. 12, wherein'the reel 12 and film 194 on the reel 12 are shown by phantom lines. As indicated by-broken lines, a light beam 196 from the light source l92 passes upwardly through the cartridge and between the flanges of the reel 12,- and is partially masked by the film 194 remaining on the reel 12. By reading the scale 190, an estimate of the amount of film 194 remaining on the reel 12 can be made.

Referring to FIGS, the underside of the scale 190 is preferably indented to form'a generally horizontal light collection surface 198. While the scale 1 may simply employ a strip of semi-transparent material, such as a frosted portion of the cover 40 or a frosted piece of glass, in the preferred embodiment means will be provided for focusing the light and making the scale easily readable. For example, a Fresnel lens may be placed on the underside of the scale 190 along the light collection surface 198. Alternatively, a plurality of focusing lenses may be placed on the light collection surface 198. Since the cover 40-will generally be made of plastic, which may be transparent, this Fresnel lens or focusing lenses maybe simply molded onto the light collection surface 198. Other possibilities for improving the readability of the scale 190 include the use of a light bar of light-transmittent material molded into i the cover 40, and a' series of apertures along the scale 190 providing illuminated numbers indicating the amount of film 194 remaining on the reel 12.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without-departing from the spirit and scope thereof and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. In a cartridge which has a reel receptacle for receiving a coil of flexible strip material on a reel and a cover for said reel receptacle and which is adapted for use with automatic strip feed-out means, the combination comprising:

means forming an aperture in said cartridge to permit the entry of feed-out means into said cartridge and the egress of flexible strip material out of said cartridge; and

guidemeans extending within said cartridge from one end of said aperture annularly about the central interior of said reel receptacle to the opposite end of said aperture and positioned to penetrate the space between the flanges of the reel for maintaining the flexible strip material within the diameter of the reel flanges except in the region of said apertures, said-guide means having a flexible end position to facilitate insertion of the reel into the reel receptacle and removal of the reel from the reel receptacle.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said aperture is configurated to have a first portion of width dimension less than the spacing between the flanges of the reel for guiding entry of feed-out film engaging means into the space between the flanges of the reel and a second portion contiguous with said first portion but of greater width dimension to permit egress of the flexible strip material from said cartridge.

3. The combination defined in claim 1 further comprising means forming a second aperture in said cartridge for receiving a rewind drive puck, said guide means for at least the extent of said second aperture opening being entirely within the diameter of the flanges of the reel to permit the drive puck to contact the flange rim to rotate said reel for rewind.

4. In a cartridge for containing a coil of flexible strip material on a reel and having a substantially planar back portion, a substantially planar front portion, and a substantially planar bottom portion, the combination comprising:

means forming an exit opening in the bottom portion of said cartridge to permit the egress of flexible strip material out of said cartridge;

a plurality of latching tabs protruding from the back portion of said cartridge; and means forming a plurality of compatibly positioned and configurated latching tab receiving apertures in the front portion of said cartridge for enabling plural cartridges to be latched together in a stacked relationship wherein each of said stacked cartridges is operable to enable said flexible strip of material to be removed therefrom. 5. The combinationdefined in claimw4 wherein said latching tabs and said latching tab receiving apertures are each oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to said bottom portion.

6. The combination defined in claim 4 further comprising: a

positioning ribbing protruding from the back portion .of said cartridge; and

means forming compatibly positioned and configurated positioning ribbing receiving grooving in the front portion of said cartridge for stabilizing stacked plural cartridges against movement with respect to one another.

7. In a film cartridge which has a'reel receptacle for receiving and circumferentially encompassing a coil of film on a reel and a cover for said reel receptacle and which is adapted for use with a projector having a film feed-out mechanism, the combination comprising:

means forming an aperture in an edge portion of said cartridge to permit the entry of said feed-out mechanism into said cartridge and the egress of film from the cartridge; and

a guide element extending within said cartridge from one end of said aperture annularly about the central interior of said reel receptacle to the opposite end of said aperture and positioned to penetrate the space between the flanges of the reel for maintaining the film within the diameter of the reel flanges except in the region of said aperture, said guide element having a flexible end position to facilitate insertion of the reel into the reel receptacle and removal of the reel from the reel receptacle.

8. The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said aperture is configurated to have a first portion of width dimension less than the spacing between the flanges of the reel for guiding entry of feed-out film engaging means into the space between the flanges of the reel and a second portion contiguous with said first portion but of greater width dimension to permit egress of the flexible strip material from said cartridge.

9. The combination defined in claim 7 further comprising means forming a second aperture in said cartridge for receiving a rewind drive puck, said guide means for at least the extent of said second aperture opening being entirely within the diameter of the flanges of the reel to permit the drive puck to contact the flange rim to rotate said reel for rewind.

10. A cartridge supporting a reel of film and adapted for use with feed-out mechanism for loading a projector and an interconnecting means for attaching the cartridge to the projector comprising:

locating means including at least one abutment extending from the projector;

a mounting aperture in the cartridge for receiving said abutment;

a projection extending from the cartridge; and

a recess in the projector for cooperating with and for frictionally receiving said projection and cooperating with said abutment and said mounting aperture to frictionally secure the cartridge to the projector.

ii]. A cartridge as defined in claim 10 wherein said projection includes a flexible tab and said recess includes an indentation for receiving said flexible tab.

12. A cartridge as defined in claim 10 wherein said projection includes a pair of parallel ribs extending along the cartridge and said recess includes a groove extending along the projector for receiving said pair of parallel ribs to prevent displacement of the cartridge in I a direction perpendicular to the length of said ribs.

13. A cartridge as defined in claim 10 wherein said projection includes a pair of parallel ribs extending along the cartridge and includes a pair of flexible tabs located in longitudinal alignment with said pair of parallel ribs, and wherein said recess includes a groove extending along the projector for receiving said pair of parallel ribs to prevent displacement of the cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the length of said ribs, said recess includes indentations located in longitudinal alignment with said groove to receive said pair of flexible tabs in a manner to hold said pair of parallel ribs in said groove.

14. A cartridge as defined in claim 10 wherein said locating means includes at, least one abutment for engaging an exterior surface of the cartridge to assist in locating the cartridge on the projector. 

1. In a cartridge which has a reel receptacle for receiving a coil of flexible strip material on a reel and a cover for said reel receptacle and which is adapted for use with automatic strip feed-out means, the combination comprising: means forming an aperture in said cartridge to permit the entry of feed-out means into said cartridge and the egress of flexible strip material out of said cartridge; and guide means extending within said cartridge from one end of said aperture annularly about the central interior of said reel receptacle to the opposite end of said aperture and positioned to penetrate the space between the flanges of the reel for maintaining the flexible strip material within the diameter of the reel flanges except in the region of said apertures, said guide means having a flexible end position to facilitate insertion of the reel into the reel receptacle and removal of the reel from the reel receptacle.
 2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said aperture is configurated to have a first portion of width dimension less than the spacing between the flanges of the reel for guiding entry of feed-out film engaging means into the space between the flanges of the reel and a second portion contiguous with said first portion but of greater width dimension to permit egress of the flexible strip material from said cartridge.
 3. The combination defined in claim 1 further comprising means forming a second aperture in said cartridge for receiving a rewind drive puck, said guide means for at least the extent of said second aperture opening being entirely within the diameter of the flanges of the reel to permit the drive puck to contact the flange rim to rotate said reel for rewind.
 4. In a cartridge for containing a coil of flexible strip material on a reel and having a substantially planar back portion, a substantially planar front portion, and a substantially planar bottom portion, the combination comprising: means forming an exit opening in the bottom portion of said cartridge to permit the egress of flexible strip material out of said cartridge; a plurality of latching tabs protruding from the back portion of said cartridge; and means forming a plurality of compatibly positioned and configurated latching tab receiving apertures in the front portion of said cartridge for enabling plural cartridges to be latched together in a stacked relationship wherein each of said stacked cartridges is operable to enable said flexible strip of material to be removed therefrom.
 5. The combination defined in claim 4 wherein said latching tabs and said latching tab receiving apertures are each oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to said bottom portion.
 6. The combination defined in claim 4 further comprising: positioning ribbing protruding from the back portion of said cartridge; and means forming compatibly positioned and configurated positioning ribbing receiving grooving in the front portion of said cartridge for stabilizing stacked plural cartridges against movement with respect to one another.
 7. In a film cartridge which has a reel receptacle for receiving and circumferentially encompassing a coil of film on a reel and a cover for said reel receptacle and which is adapted for use with a projector having a film feed-out mechanism, the combination comprising: means forming an aperture in an edge portion of said cartridge to permit the entry of said feed-out mechanism into said cartridge and the egress of film from the cartridge; and a guide element extending within said cartridge from one end of said aperture annularly about the central interior of said reel receptacle to the opposite end of said aperture and positioned to penetrate the space between the flanges of the reel for maintaining the film within the diameter of the reel flanges except in the region of said aperture, said guide element having a flexible end position to facilitate insertion of the reel into the reel receptacle and removal of the reel from the reel receptacle.
 8. The combination defined in claim 7 wherein said aperture is configurated to have a first portion of width dimension less than the spacing between the flanges of the reel for guiding entry of feed-out film engaging means into the space between the flanges of the reel and a second portion contiguous with said first portion but of greater width dimension to permit egress of the flexible strip material from said cartridge.
 9. The combination defined in claim 7 further comprising means forming a second aperture in said cartridge for receiving a rewind drive puck, said guide means for at least the extent of said second aperture opening being entirely within the diameter of the flanges of the reel to permit the drive puck to contact the flange rim to rotate said reel for rewind.
 10. A cartridge supporting a reel of film and adapted for use with feed-out mechanism for loading a projector and an interconnecting means for attaching the cartridge to the projector comprising: locating means including at least one abutment extending from the projector; a mounting aperture in the cartridge for receiving said abutment; a projection extending from the cartridge; and a recess in the projector for cooperating with and for frictionally receiving said projection and cooperating with said abutment and said mounting aperture to frictionally secure the cartridge to the projector.
 11. A cartridge as defined in claim 10 wherein said projection includes a flexible tab and said recess includes an indentation for receiving said flexible tab.
 12. A cartridge as defined in claim 10 wherein said projection includes a pair of parallel ribs extending along the cartridge and said recess includes a groove extending along the projector for receiving said pair of parallel ribs to prevent displacement of the cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the length of said ribs.
 13. A cartridge as defined in claim 10 wherein said projection includes a pair of parallel ribs extending along the cartridge and includes a pair of flexible tabs located in longitudinal alignment with said pair of parallel ribs, and wherein said recess includes a groove extending along the projector for receiving said pair of parallel ribs to prevent displacement of the cartridge in a direction perpendicular to the length of said ribs, said recess includes indentations located in longitudinal alignment with said groove to receive said pair of flexible tabs in a manner to hold said pair of parallel ribs in said groove.
 14. A cartridge as defined in claim 10 wherein said locating means includes at least one abutment for engaging an exterior surface of the cartridge to assist in locating the cartridge on the projector. 